The Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, on Thursday, 25th May 2023, marked his 66th birth anniversary with style.
The spectacular event which also marked the sendforth of the Minister, was held at Chida Events Hall, Abuja, with top dignitaries, friends, family and associates present to grace it.
In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, while restating the essence of the event, described the Minister as an easy-going, yet dogged and tenacious leader.
“I want to say that, I am one of the luckiest Permanent Secretaries. The Minister lets me do my work. He does not disturb my work at all, though he gives me guidance but he lets me be”.
In her goodwill message, the Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, described Aregbesola as a man with a good heart, a true leader, mentor, a patriotic Nigerian and champion of the people. She commended the Minister for consistently lending a voice to issues that affect women in Nigeria as well as congratulated him on his sendforth.
On his part, the Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service, Eng. Jaji Abdulganiyu, who spoke on behalf of all the Comptrollers General of the four agencies being supervised by the Ministry of Interior, commended the Interior Minister for being an exemplary leader who gracefully leads others with wisdom.
“The Minister of Interior is a man of the people who places value on the opinion of others. He doesn’t shut anyone up, he listens to everyone and has led all the Agencies under his Ministry in an exemplary manner”.
Also speaking, the Senator representing Osun East district in the 9th National Assembly, Senator Francis Fadahunsi, described the former Osun State Governor as the best Governor the state has ever seen. Fadahunsi maintained that the PDP in Osun is currently building on the legacy of the Interior Minister.
In his goodwill address, Honourable Rasheed Afolabi, who spoke on behalf of Osun lawmakers, hailed the Minister of Interior for the indelible mark he left in the sands of Osun State after his administration as the State Governor from 2010 through 2018.
In the same vein, the chairman, Council of Eze Ndigbo in Lagos State, Eze Christian Nwachukwu, described Ogbeni Aregbesola as a pillar of the Igbo Community in Lagos State, as well as a strong supporter who has contributed to the growth of Lagos State.
Honourable Bola Ilori spoke on behalf of the Minister’s aides. He described him as a warrior leader who has shown exemplary character and leadership, whose milk of human kindness will make anyone to wanting to be around him.
Responding, Ogbeni Aregbesola expressed sincere appreciation towards His Wife, Mrs Sherifat Aregbesola, for constantly standing by him, he also appreciated the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, the Minister of Women affairs, as well as other top personalities for making out time to celebrate him.
As he prayed that the Almighty Allah will reward each participant, Aregbesola commended everyone for the massive show of love and for the honour they have shown him, as he marks his birthday/ sendforth.
The event which kicked off with the national anthem was graced by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Shuaib Belgore, The Controller-General of Federal Fire Service, Jaji Olola Abdulganiyu, The Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, Directors of the Ministry of Interior, Commissioner Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), Ado Jafar, Secretary, CDCFIB, Ahmed Jafaru, amongst other notable dignitaries.